Ins and Outs of Ontario Licensing

May 20th, 2014  |  Auto Insurance

Whether you are a new driver getting your driver’s license for the first time, a new resident to the province, or an average driver, it is always important to understand the ins and outs of the Ontario licensing system. Did you know that there are 15 types of licenses available to drivers in the province? Most people don’t! However, most drivers don’t need to worry about all the different classes of licensing – You just need to focus on the graduated licensing process.

The Basics

• You must be 16 to apply for a driver’s license in Ontario
• You are required to pass a vision test
• Once you get your license, you must carry it with you at all times when driving
• You will need to provide identification documents such as your passport, Ontario Photo Card, and Canadian Citizenship when applying to obtain your driver’s license. See full list of accepted documents
• You will be required to pass one written and two in-car driving’s tests to receive your full G license
• You can apply for your license at a Drive Test Centre in Ontario

The Graduated Licensing System

In order to get your full driver’s license, you must complete each level of the graduated licensing process. Here are the requirements for each level:

• G1
  • You must pass a written test to obtain a G1
  • You are not permitted to drive on 400 series highways
  • You must maintain a zero blood alcohol level
  • You must drive with a fully licensed driver with a minimum of 4 years’ experience
  • Most drivers have a G1 for 12 months before taking the G1 Road Test
  • If you take a government approved driver training course you can take the G1 Road Test after 8 months
• G2
  • You must pass the G1 Road Test to obtain a G2
  • You can drive on all Ontario roads
  • You can drive alone
  • You must maintain a zero blood alcohol level
  • You can book a G2 road test once you have had your G2 license for 12 months
• G
  • To obtain your G license, you must pass the G2 road test – a comprehensive road test that covers all aspect of driving
  • You have no driving restrictions

Other restrictions or rules may also apply to each level of driver’s license. For more information about Ontario Drivers licensing, check out the Government of Ontario Website